And finally…no more hanging around for a telephone

The survey of more than a 1,000 parents was carried out, as part of the insurer’s latest ‘Home’ report which looks at the impact of technology on family lives,

The firm, which employs hundreds at its Perth hub, found that 11 years is the most common age at which children are given a phone and nine out of 10 youngsters (88 per cent) have their own phone by the age of 15.

This is a stark contrast to their parents’ generation who had to wait a little longer for their first phones (presumably because they weren’t widely available or affordable when they were children). Those aged 35-44 got their first phone at age 20 on average, while those aged 45-54 were typically 29 years old.

Safety is the main reason parents give their children their first phone (so they are contactable when away from home, for example) with 56 per cent citing this, but it is by no means the only motive for mobiles.

Nearly a quarter of parents (23 per cent) said they gave their child a phone because all of their friends were getting them, and nearly one in five (19 per cent) bought the device ‘to keep them entertained’. Seven per cent of parents admitted they gave their children phones so they could play games.

And when it comes to tablets, children are getting to grips with technology even earlier with one in eight (13 per cent) having their own device by the age of seven, and nine years being the most common age to receive their first tablet.

Lindsey Rix, MD, Personal Lines Aviva UK General Insurance, said: “It’s clear to see just how device-savvy children are these days. In fact one in eight parents surveyed said they rely on their children to help them with technology.

“As the number of gadgets and devices increases in UK households, it’s crucial that people consider whether they have adequate home contents cover in place in case of the unexpected.”